Holiday lettings & accommodation in Antalya

There is a wealth of neighbourhoods in Antalya and choosing the right one from which to base yourself is a difficult decision. Konyaalti beach is an area that is popular with expats. It has striking views of the Beydaglari peaks, as well as the fantastic promenade and beach. The commercial aspect of Konyaalti beach is well developed and you will find good shops, cafes and restaurants in the area. The district is also well-connected to the rest of the city. Antalya's Old Town is a vibrant neighbourhood and good for those that want to place themselves in the heart of the action. Despite street vendors and shops occasionally raising their prices for tourists, if you are prepared to haggle and are keen to stay in this atmospheric part of the city, accommodation options are available. The downtown district of Dogu Garaji (East Garage) is another area that is slowly developing. This old neighbourhood, seemingly forever in the midst of construction, is starting to show signs of blossom and many locals are now moving into the area.

Kaleici, Antalya’s Old Town, could easily have faced ruin, given the number of tourists that now flock to this city. But in preserving the Old Town, Antalya has protected her jewel, and this is the best place to start any exploration of this ancient city. The narrow cobblestone streets wind between the red-topped townhouses that characterise the Old Town. Key sights, such as the Roman arch that commemorates Hadrian’s visit to the city and the 13th-century Yivli Minaret, are also located in this small district. We suggest you wander these streets before grabbing a mint tea from the myriad of street vendors. Although your chance of seeing a newly hatched loggerhead turtle remain slim, a visit to the beach where these ancient turtles lay their eggs is a must. The busy tourist area has been moved back from the beach and you can learn about the turtles and observe the strict coastal programme that is now preserved by locals. In fact, Antalya’s move towards preservation and green tourism is admirable. There are now a bevy of seaside resorts and apartments that obey strict eco-tourism guidelines.

Antalya has a good food scene and lively nightlife. Seafood restaurants in Antalya are affordable and the service is generally excellent. MCYörüks is located between Isiklar and Karaaöglan Park and is famed for its excellent meat dishes. There is often live music and the restaurant has a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Hakan Usta Baklavalari is an excellent baklava shop favourited by locals. Enjoy a mint tea and one of Turkey’s most famous sweets in comfortable surroundings. Nightlife in the summer centres around nargile (water pipe) bars, beach bars, discotheques and live music. Some of the traditional buildings in the Old Town have now been converted into nightspots. Some of these have wonderfully shaded gardens, perfect for a cold beer and to get out of the roaring Antalyan summer sun. A local beverage, Raki, tastes a bit like licorice and is worth hunting down.

Antalya Airport lies 11km from the city centre and caters for both domestic and international flights. You can catch a bus from the airport to the city, which leave every hour. Alternatively, a local taxi ride costs approximately €18, but make sure you agree on a price with the driver before you enter the vehicle. The Turkish bus system is comprehensive and well used by all kinds of people. The main bus station is divided between two terminals, offering long-haul and short-haul services. Fares are very low and there is a plethora of services to nearby coastal towns, such as Kas and Fethiye. In Antalya, you can reach every corner of the city by bus. Most buses are air-conditioned and fares are very low. The closest bus stops to the Old Town are on Ali Centinkaya Cd. Bus 600 also runs from Otogar to Konyaalti Beach.